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HB 504

State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech–Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists – Physician Members – Repeal

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 6 co-sponsors

Maryland bill removes requirement for physician members on the state licensing board overseeing audiologists, hearing aid dispensers, speech-language pathologists, and music therapists.

Hearing 2/11 at 1:30 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 504

Legislative bill overview

HB 504 repeals the requirement that physician members serve on Maryland's State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists. Currently, the board must include licensed physicians as members; this bill removes that mandate, allowing the board to operate without mandatory physician representation.

Why is this important

Professional licensing boards shape regulatory standards, disciplinary processes, and scope-of-practice rules that directly affect healthcare professionals and consumers. Removing mandatory physician oversight changes the board's composition and decision-making dynamics, potentially affecting how these allied health professions are regulated and whether medical perspectives influence their professional standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Oversight and collaboration concerns: Opponents may argue that physician members provide valuable medical expertise and ensure coordination between these allied health professions and the broader medical community, and their removal could fragment healthcare oversight.
  • Consumer protection questions: Some may worry that eliminating physician input weakens quality assurance mechanisms or creates gaps in ensuring these professionals practice safely within appropriate medical contexts.
  • Professional autonomy vs. interdependence: Proponents likely argue these professions should have greater self-governance independence, while critics may contend that audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and music therapists often work alongside physicians and benefit from that oversight.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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